Kalapani and Lipulek shown as Indian territory in new map: Former DPM cautions PM Oli

KATHMANDU, Nov 5:  Former Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Democratic Party ( Rashtriya Prajatantra Party) Kamal Thapa has cautioned Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli on the issue of Lipulek and Kalapani through his social media feed.

Releasing a tweet earlier in the day former DPM Thapa said that “Kalapani and Lipulek are Nepal’s integral part. India has blindly taken control over these areas and Nepal has been constantly protesting this move.

In a recent map released by the Ministry of Home Affairs after declaring two internal union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh late last month, the map shows both Kalapani and Lipulek as part of India.

DPM Thapa said this is not only concerning but we have to oppose the movie and that let this matter be brought forward and gain the attention of the PM of Nepal.

Lipulekh is claimed by Nepal as an integral territory and had earlier brought to the attention of the Indian counterparts, but since the Sino-Indian war of 1962, it is being controlled by Indian border security forces. Similarly, Nepal has also asked for the withdrawal of the Indian border forces that are present in the Kalapani area.

Back in 2015, an agreement was made between India and China regarding opening a trading post in the area of Lipulekh, which was vehemently opposed by Nepal, and is intended to solve this issue through diplomatic means with both Nations.

Kalapani is a part of the Darchula district of Nepal while India places it under the Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand.